Whittier HeightsNeighborhood Guide

This small residential section of Ballard is ideal for people who love the vibe of northwest Seattle but want a slightly quieter place to call home.

History

Much like other nearby subdivisions like Loyal Heights and Sunset Hill, Whittier Heights was only moved into once the housing options in downtown Ballard had filled up. The biggest era for growth was 1920 through 1940, when most of the houses were built. In more recent years, some new homes have been built, leaving the neighborhood with a nice mix of the vintage and the modern.

Neighborhood Photos

Who Lives Here?

Stable Nuclears - Higher-income urban family.

Middle-age couples with children, pulling in combined household incomes nearing six figures. Most own their own homes. Some have a college education and work in a variety of occupations, including management-level positions.

Comfy Couples - Upper-class couples.

Urban couples making a mid- to upper-scale household income. Most own their own homes. Some have a college education and work in a variety of occupations, including management-level positions.

Makin' It Singles - Upper-scale urban singles.

Pre-middle-age to middle-age singles with upper-scale incomes. May or may not own their own home. Most have college educations and are employed in mid-management professions.

Whittier Heights

Seattle

Median Household Income

$53,525

$45,736

Owners/Renters

64%/36%

48%/52%

Median Age

37

37

Single Males

20%

23%

Single Females

18%

19%

Homes With Kids

22%

18%

Household Size

2.2

2.1

Commute Time

29 min

27 min

Vibe

Whittier Heights is an unassuming residential neighborhood, basking quietly in the glow of its bigger sister, Ballard. The streets here are in a straightforward grid pattern, which furthers the notion that it’s a no-frills, no-nonsense place to live. On the outer edges of the neighborhood there are some fun pockets of businesses that offer nice alternatives to the main drag in Ballard.

Activities and Attractions

One of the most charming places to explore in Whittier Heights is the area along 65th street at its southern border. This mini business district has a surprising variety of establishments, from dive bars like The Tin Hat to shoe shops (The Sneakery). Word has it that The Dray is a great place to watch soccer (I mean ‘football’) and sample some obscure beers. You can also get a tattoo at Slave to the Needle or check out Babalouise, the local salon.
Further into the ‘heart’ of Whittier are a few other gems. People are raving about Honore Bakery and their French-inspired goods. Delancey pizza also deserves a nod for its wood-fired and unique pies. Just get ready to wait in line at both of these places!